Your questions

We've put together a list of our most frequently asked questions. If your query isn't answered below, please get in touch with us and a member of our team will be happy to help!

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Female student in David Ross Sports Village swimming pool

Your questions

What membership options do you offer?

We offer a huge range of options for our students, staff and local community. Please click here to find the most suitable option for you.

Do I have to pay a joining fee?

No - we don't ask for a joining fee for any of our memberships.

How do I join?

You can join online, call us on 0115 74 87000 or visit any of our sports centre receptions.

Can I try out the facilities before I join?

Yes - you can arrange a tour of our facilities with one of our friendly team or book to try our fitness suite for free.

Please click here to make an enquiry and a member of our team will be in touch. 

What times are peak and off-peak?

At David Ross Sports Village our off-peak times are 6.30am – 3pm (Monday – Sunday).

At Jubilee Sports Centre and Sutton Bonington Sports Centre , our off-peak times are 7am – 3pm (Monday – Friday) and 8am – 10pm (weekends).

What is the Active Living package?

Our Active Living package is currently offered to University of Nottingham students living in University halls on University Park and Jubilee campus plus Dagfa and Varsity. Included in your accommodation fees the package gives you access to everything within our UoN sport and fitness memberships plus a calendar of exclusive events. For more information and to see if your hall is included, click here.

Do I need a membership if I am part of a sports club?

Yes, UoN sport and fitness membership is required to train and compete with the majority of our sports clubs. Please check with the individual club if not sure.

Do I need a membership if I am part of a student intramural sport league?

If you are playing in our IMS badminton, squash or table tennis leagues, then you will need to purchase a UoN sport and fitness membership. Membership is not required for our other IMS leagues.

Can I add friends and family to my membership?

Yes - for our student UoN sport and fitness membership and Active Living package, you can add up to three direct relatives. This could be a co-habiting spouse or partner, sibling, parent / guardian or a child aged 16 or over. Your direct relatives benefit from the same fantastic value student rate. 

For our staff, alumni and associate, NHS / Blue Light and corporate, up to three friends and family members can join as UoN sport and fitness members at the same discounted rate you enjoy. 

Direct relatives, friends and family members can join at any of our sports centre reception and the current member must be present at the time of joining.

I'm only here for one semester - what are my options?

We offer a one semester membership for students studying for the first semester at Nottingham only. This can be purchased at any sports centre reception – please bring documentation showing your study period with you.

I'm here over the summer - what do I do when my current student membership runs out?

We offer great value summer memberships for July and August exclusively for University of Nottingham students. Details of these can be found on our student membership page when available. 

I'm a student at the University of Nottingham International College (Kaplan) - can I buy a membership?

Yes – students at the University of Nottingham International College can benefit from our great value student UoN sport and fitness membership packages.

You can purchase a membership by visiting any of our sports centre receptions - please bring your letter with you confirming you are a student at Kaplan.

I work at the University, but I'm not on the University's central payroll - can I purchase a staff membership?

If you are not on the University’s central payroll – e.g. Unitemps worker, contractor or casual staff, you are still eligible for our UoN staff sport and fitness memberships. Please contact our Membership team at membership@nottingham.ac.uk to enquire.

Who is eligible for alumni and associate membership?

The following groups are eligible for our alumni and associate membership;

  • All graduates of the University of Nottingham, including PGCE courses
  • University of Nottingham honorary appointments
  • UoN Sport coaches and club volunteers (monthly only)
  • Staff of University facilities based on campus but not contracted as University of Nottingham employees
  • Employees of tenants at The University of Nottingham Innovation Park (UNIP)
  • Employees of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Veterinary Investigation Centre (Sutton Bonington)
  • East Midlands Open University
  • St John’s College staff

We will please ask you to bring proof of your status on your first visit, for example your graduation certificate or University Associate ID card.

Who is eligible for an NHS/Blue Light membership?

Anyone who works within the NHS or holds a Blue Light card is eligible for our NHS / Blue Light package. We will please ask you to bring proof of your status on your first visit, for example your Blue Light card.

Do you offer weekly passes?

We do offer promotional passes throughout the year which offer you the opportunity to try our facilities. Please click here for current passes available.

Do you have to be a member to use the facilities?

Whilst our membership packages offer the best value for money, you can access our facilities on a pay as you go basis. Please click here for the activities available.

I'm unable to join online - what should I do?

Nursing students and students on our BSc Midwifery top up (LBR) and BSc Health Care Studies (LBR) cannot currently join online.

If you are studying on these courses, or need further support, please call us at 0115 74 87000 or visit any of our sports centre receptions and our team will create your membership and online account for you.

I'm trying to join online, but I'm receiving a 'Single Sign-On Validation Error' error message - what should i do?

If you a receiving an error message with ‘Single Sign-On Validation Error’ and are a student then please first check that you have;

  • Activated an IT account
  • Completed online registration
  • Have a UK term-time address
  • Have uploaded a photo and your University card number has been generated
  • You have left at least 72 hours from the above to try joining online.

If you need support with any of the above, please contact the University’s IT Service Desk.

Are there options to pay for membership by direct debit?

We don’t currently offer direct debit options for our student UoN sport and fitness membership. This ensures that we’re able to offer the best value for money to our student community.

Monthly options are available on our non-student packages, please click here for available options.

Can I pay by cash?

We encourage all payments to be made by card where possible, but if you would prefer to pay in cash, please visit any of our sports centre receptions to complete your transaction.

I only have an international bank account - how can I make payment?

A UK bank account is required for online payments. If you don’t have a UK account, then please call us on 0115 74 87000 or visit any sports centre reception.

When is my membership valid to?

If you have a student UoN sport and fitness membership, it is valid until 30 June of the academic year purchased. For example, if purchased in December 2022, your membership will be valid until 30 June 2023.

How can I renew my membership?

Our student UoN sport and fitness membership and all our annual memberships do not automatically renew. You will be reminded via email when you can renew your membership (or can check the date via your online account at any time). Renewals may be completed online, via telephone at 0115 74 87000 or at any sports centre reception.

If you have one of our monthly memberships, then your membership is on a rolling contract and you don’t need to do anything.

Can I bring a guest with me?

UoN sport and fitness members and Active Living package holders may bring up to three guests with them for one visit. Each guest will be asked to pay £6.50 (off-peak) and £7.50 (peak). If your visitor would like to use our facilities more than once, they can take advantage of our Pay as You Go offer

What is the BUCS UNIversal gym scheme?

University of Nottingham Sport have partnered with British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) on the UNIversal gym scheme. This programme allows our student and staff UoN sports and fitness members to access fitness facilities at several different university venues across the UK, completely free-of-charge. Ideal for during the university holidays when you return home or even visiting a friend, it's the perfect way to keep up your routine even when you're out of town.

For more information and to set up your BUCS UNIversal membership, please click here.

Can I freeze my membership?

You can freeze your membership in line with the terms and conditions of your package. Please contact our membership team to freeze your account. 

Please note, any friends and family linked to your account will also need to request a freeze should they wish to do so at the same time. 

Can I cancel my membership?

All our memberships can be cancelled up to 14 days from the date of purchase.

After 14 days, membership cancellations can be made in line with the terms and conditions of your membership. To submit a cancellation request, please click here. Please note cancellation requests will be considered within 7 working days - you will receive confirmation of a cancellation from our team.

I still have a question about my membership, how can I contact the membership team?

No problem – you can contact our membership team at membership@nottingham.ac.uk.

How do I register for an online account?

Visit our login page to create an online account with University of Nottingham Sport. If you have had an account with us previously, you will be able to reset your password and use your existing account.

How do I make, amend or cancel a booking?

You can make, cancel or amend bookings online, by calling us at 0115 74 87000 or by visiting any of our sports centre receptions.

I've forgotten my password - what do I do?

You can reset your password via our Member login page – please do check your junk if you haven’t received a password reset.

I'm still experiencing difficulties with my online account - who can I contact?

Please email us at sport@nottingham.ac.uk, call 0115 74 87000 or visit any sports centre reception and our team will be able to assist.

Are dogs allowed in sports facilities?

We welcome guide/support dogs into our sports centres as well as at Highfields sports complex and Riverside sports complex. Otherwise dogs are not permitted.

Are there lockers provided in your sports centres?

Yes - we have lockers available at all our sports centres. These are padlock operated - please bring a padlock with you, or alternatively you can purchase one at our reception desks. 

Are there water fountains within the sports facilities?

Yes - we provide water fountains free-of-charge at all our sports facilities. Please bring a reusable bottle with you or alternatively you can purchase one from our sports centre receptions. 

What do I do if I've left something in a sports facility?

Lost property items are kept in our sports facilities for three weeks, where they can be collected from reception. After that date they are sent to University of Nottingham Security for a further two months. Please note for hygiene reasons we do not keep water bottles, food containers, underwear, toiletries and cosmetics.

Can I hire sports equipment?

Yes - you can hire a range of equipment for a small charge including snooker cues, bibs, rackets, footballs, basketballs and volleyballs. Climbing shoes, harnesses and belay devices are also available to hire. Please bring your student ID card as this will be taken as a deposit. 

What times are peak and off-peak?

At David Ross Sports Village our off-peak times are 6.30am – 3pm (Monday – Sunday).

At Jubilee Sports Centre and Sutton Bonington Sports Centre , our off-peak times are 7am – 3pm (Monday – Friday) and 8am – 10pm (weekends).

When are the University's term time and holiday dates?

To view all the University's term and non-term time dates, as well as key dates, please click here.

Are your facilities accessible?

Yes, all of our facilities are accessible and we have blue badge parking at all of our venues. For more detail, please search for our facilities on the AccessAble website

I have accessibility requirements - can I access the swimming area via the pool entrance?

We kindly request that all swimmers use the main David Ross Sports Village reception to access the building. However, we do recognise that some customers with a disability or long-term medical condition may find this arrangement challenging. With that in mind, alternative entrance through the side doors closest to the swimming pool via swipe card may be arranged.

Should you wish to make use of this arrangement, please contact Adam Lever, our Disability Sport Officer, at adam.lever@nottingham.ac.uk

Are Changing Places facilities available?

Yes – we have two Designated Changing Places rooms at David Ross Sports Village – including toilet and shower facilities. These are located on Floor A by the sports hall and in our swimming pool complex. Our team can provide directions and access upon request.

Can I bring my guide / support dog with me?

Guide dogs and support dogs are welcomed in all our sports facilities. Otherwise dogs are not permitted.

Do I need to have an induction before I use the fitness suite?

No – inductions are not compulsory at UoN Sport, but we do recommend you check out our online induction before you train.

If you would like, you can book a free fitness induction where our fitness instructors will show you how to use the equipment correctly, safely and effectively. To book, please speak to a member of our fitness team in any of our fitness suites.

Do I need to book to use the fitness suite?

No booking is required to use the fitness suite. 

What times are peak and off-peak?

At David Ross Sports Village our off-peak times are 6.30am – 3pm (Monday – Sunday).

At Jubilee Sports Centre and Sutton Bonington Sports Centre , our off-peak times are 7am – 3pm (Monday – Friday) and 8am – 10pm (weekends).

How can I book my free fitness programme?

Our fitness programmes offer the chance to sit down with our specialist fitness team and plan a programme tailored to you and your goals. To book this free service, please speak to a member of our fitness team in any of our fitness suites.

Do you offer personal training?

Personal training is an additional paid service and you can find out more about our offer here. To book, please speak to a member of the fitness team or email: personaltraining@nottingham.ac.uk.

Is there free WiFi in the gym?

Yes – University of Nottingham students and staff can connect to the eduroam network and all other visitors can take advantage of the University’s guest WiFi.

When is the fitness suite quieter?

You can find details of when our fitness suite is quieter here, or please speak to a member of our fitness team.

We also have scheduled Gym Quiet Times - we don't limit the number in the fitness suite, but we do turn off music and all public TV screens, dim the lights where possible and avoid any public announcements (unless there's an emergency). Our fitness team also encourage everyone to work out as quietly and respectfully as possible.

Do I need to book to attend a class?

Our classes are very popular so we do recommend that you pre-book to avoid disappointment. UoN sport and fitness members can pre-book classes up to 3 days in advance.

Do I need to bring my own equipment with me?

All equipment is provided at our classes, but you may want to bring your own exercise mat with you. You can also purchase a mat at any of our sports centre receptions

Where can I view the class timetable?

You can view our class timetable here, or login to your online account to view the most up-to-date listings and class availability.

I need to cancel a class - what should I do?

Please ensure you provide a minimum of 2 hours' notice if you cannot attend a class. You can cancel your class online, by calling us at +(0)11 748 7000 or visiting any sports centre reception. 

I have a UoN sports and fitness membership - can I use the swimming pool?

Yes, all our student, staff, alumni and associate membership packages include use of the swimming pool free-of-charge. Check out our opening times to see when the pool is available for general member swimming.

For public members, use of the swimming pool is available to customers who have purchased our Fitness Suite and Pool or Pool only membership.

Do I need to book to use the swimming pool?

We do recommend that you pre-book your swimming session to check pool availability and to avoid disappointment. You can pre-book sessions up to 7 days in advance.

Do you have a swimming pool timetable?

To view the timetable for our swimming pool, including availability on each session, please log into your account here. 

What type of swimming sessions are available?

We offer three different types of swimming sessions;

  • Swim sessions - Both lane and social swimming (no marked lanes) available. There isn't always a full pool available for the social swim sessions and therefore, the number of lanes will be dictated by the available space
  • Lane swim - Lane swimming only across the full pool (no social swim options)
  • Deep water lane swim - Lane swimming in deep water only - not suitable for non-swimmers / weaker swimmers.  Deep water sessions will be any session that requires the floor to be 1.3m or deeper across the whole pool. If the lifeguard deems it necessary, individuals may be asked to complete a 'swim test' to demonstrate competency prior to entering deep water. The swim test includes swimming 2 lengths, treading water for 1 minute, followed by 1 final length.
Do you offer swimming lessons?

Yes we offer swimming lessons for children aged from 6 weeks old as well as classes for adults. Our Swim School offers weekly group sessions for Early Years, Children and Adults as well as School holiday courses and 1-2-1 lessons. For more details, visit our Swim School page.

I have accessibility requirements - can I access the swimming area via the pool entrance?

We kindly request that all swimmers use the main David Ross Sports Village reception to access the building. However, we do recognise that some customers with a disability or long-term medical condition may find this arrangement challenging. With that in mind, alternative entrance through the side doors closest to the swimming pool via swipe card may be arranged.

Should you wish to make use of this arrangement, please contact Adam Lever, our Disability Sport Officer, at adam.lever@nottingham.ac.uk

What are the dimensions of the pool?

The pool is 25m x 18m. The shallow end can vary as there is a movable floor. The deepest part of the pool is 2.2m.

What is the ratio of adults to children needed for children to use the pool?

The ratio of adults in the pool to under 8s is:

  • 1 adult to 1 child for 0 – 3 years;
  • 1 adult to 2 children for 4-7 years

For children 8 and over, the adult is not required to go in the water but must remain in the swimming pool environment.

Do I need to register before my first climb?

Yes, all climbers need to register before using the climbing wall. This registration will need to be renewed every academic year. everyone needs to pre-register.

Experienced climbers

Please arrive 10 minutes before your first climbing session to complete our Acknowledgement of Risk form. Once completed, you will be able to climb unsupervised. If you are not currently a member you will need to allow additional time to complete joining documentation.

New climbers

If you haven't climbed before, you will be required to attend either a Boulder induction, Auto Belay induction or Learn to Climb course before using our climbing wall unsupervised. On successful completion of these sessions you will be able to register to use the climbing wall.

Experienced climbers (aged 16 and 17 years)

Please contact our climbing team to book a supervisory climb. This will allow our team to check you are safe to climb and once completed, you will be able to climb unsupervised.

U18's Parent/Guardian Supervisor

Young people aged under 16 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times when using the climbing wall. We ask that the supervising parents/guardian completes the U18's Parent/Guardian supervisor form for each child they are supervising.

The parent/guardian must be a member of UoN Sport and be a competent climber, and have already completed your registration prior to your first climb.

What do I need to wear when using the climbing wall?

Please wear loose comfortable clothing - skirts, dresses and tight fitting trousers are not suitable. Layers are recommended to keep warm between climbs.

Clean training shoes (e.g. sports trainers) are required - we do also have climbing shoes available to hire. No hard or leather-soled shoes may be worn when using the wall.

Please note, bare feet, open toed sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

I've climbed before, can I class myself as an experienced climber?

An experienced climber is someone who is able to tie a figure of eight knot, use a sit harness and belay using an appropriate device. If you meet these criteria, you do not require an induction and may climb unsupervised after completing our Acknowledgement of Risk form

I’m an experienced climber, can I bring novices with me to the wall?

Experienced climbers may bring a maximum of two novices with them to the climbing wall. Each time you bring novices to the wall, you must complete a supervision form at the David Ross Sports Village reception before climbing and ensure that you supervise them at all times when using the wall. Novice climbers are not able to belay without direct supervision.

I'm a parent/guardian, can I bring my child to a climbing session?

Yes, if you are a registered climber and are willing to able to complete an U18's Parent/Guardian Supervisor. You can start climbing with and supervise up to three novices or under 18s.

You will have to fill in a separate U18 supervision form upon arrival at the David Ross Sports Village reception.

Children under 16 years of age are not allowed to belay other children or adults unless being supervised by a qualified instructor.

Do you host birthday parties?

Yes - We are pleased to offer climbing birthday parties for children aged 5 - 16 years old. Our expert climbing team will show your group all the basics of climbing in a fun friendly environment. Available outside of term times.

  • 6 people - £65.00 - 75 mins

  • 12 people - £120.00 - 75 mins

  • bookable on Saturdays between 2-3.30pm and 3.30-5pm (please enquire if you require alternative times/days)

  • all climbing equipment is included, please ensure your group are wearing trainers and that no skirts or dresses are worn without shorts or leggings underneath.

  • catering options can also be added with our on-site Clubhouse Cafe

For more information and to book, please contact our climbing wall team.

Do you host corporate team building events?

For corporate guests, our climbing sessions are excellent team building opportunities. Our team will show your group all the basic climbing skills along with some fun games to get your group working together.

  • 12 people- £150 - 1.5 hours (please enquire if your group is larger)
  • all climbing equipment is included, please ensure your group are wearing trainers.
  • catering options can also be added with our on-site Clubhouse Café.

For more information and to book, please contact our climbing wall team.

How often do you undertake route setting?

Route setting on the main climbing wall takes place during holiday periods. Please note that during this time parts of the main wall and bouldering wall will be out of use.

Bouldering routes are reset throughout the course of the term, usually on Fridays. During this time booking won't be possible online or at reception. The main wall normally remains open.

Do I have to have a sports and fitness membership to be able to book a treatment at the clinic?

No, anyone may book a treatment however sports and fitness members will receive a discounted rate on all services.

Are you registered health professionals?

Yes, all of our physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and also The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Sport Rehabilitators are registered with BASRaT

Do I need to get a doctor's referral to have treatment?

No you do not. Physiotherapists are recognised as independent practitioners so you can just come and make an appointment. The physiotherapist can and will communicate with your GP or hospital doctor if you would like them to, it will be up to you. However the physiotherapist will always ask you first if they think it is important for them to contact your doctor.

Can I claim from my health insurance for my treatment?

This is possible as some of our physiotherapists are registered with a number of insurance companies and you may be able to claim back some of the costs of treatment from your insurance company. However they all operate differently so it is best to check this when you are booking your appointment.

Is there parking available at the David Ross Sports Village for visitors to the Sports Injury Clinic?

Yes, parking is available next to the David Ross Sports Village and on Beeston lane. Please ensure you obtain a ticket from the machine located adjacent to the swimming pool - this will allow 2 hours free parking.